THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24100, 20 October 1941, Page 3

THE LEAGUE CODE

CLOSE OF TIIE SEASON. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS MANUKAU BEATS NORTH SHORE A splendid exhibition was witnessed at Carla w Park on Saturday, when the Auckland Rugby League brought- its season to a close with the champion of champions fixture between .North Shore and Manukau. North Shore, which won the senior championship, led by to points to 9 at half-time, but ManuKatj played clever football in the second spell and won easily. Interest was intense and the crowd was officially estimated at 12,000. At the conclusion of the match Mr. A. Stormont. on behalf of the Stormont family, presented medals to each of the Manukau players. The team aVo won the handsome Stormont Memorial Shield. A fast open game was witnessed in the curtain-raiser. 111 which Mount Albert narrowly defeated Richmond iu the final of the Phelan Shield competition. The results were as follows:—Champion of Champions: Manukau, Norttt Shore, 10. Phelan Shield: Mount Albert, 8, Richmond, 7. Manukau v. North Shore. —Manukau gave :i line display after North Shorg ha<t put up a sterling fight- in the first half. Manukau was 1 badly disorganised team at half-time as the result of fiery play by the North Shore forwards and fine tackling by the backs. However, in !he second half Manukau settled down. The side's backs proved too fast and clever for the opposition and good team work prevailed. Jn the first half Petersen, a forward, played centrc-threetiuarter, scoring two very nice tries. A feature was the clever play of Jlemi, the Manukau captain, who scored 18 of the teams points. In the first half he scored a brilliant solo try by heating half a dozen North Shore players in an elusive run. The crowd applauded heartily. R. Martin, at fullback, initiated many successful passing bouts. Both the wings, Butler and Chase, were prominent on attack. Gregory was a lower of strength at centre-threequarter, and Murray, at five-eighths, gave a clever display. Behind the Manukau pack, Oliver was in his best form this season, giving perfect passes. Sh il ton, Walene. Ririnui and W. Martin plaved well among the forwards. Among the North Shore hacks, Chatham, at five-eighths, played a fine attacking game, as did McArfhur, at halfback. Smith made few mistakes at fullback, and Ingham, a promoted player, was impressive at five-eighths. Jones, who was playing Iris fir-4 game t-ince returnins from England with the New Zealand team, was prominent in the North Shore forwards, and good work was done by Rutherford and Field. Tries we're scored for Manukau by ITemi (2). Ririnui. Gregory, Murray and Butler. Hemi kicked three penalty goals and converted three tries. For North Shore, Petersen scored two tries and Smith converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Mr. J. Donovan was referee. Mount Albert v. Richmond. —Mount Albert was superior in the first .half and gained a lead of six points. Richmond did better in the second spell and> went close to scoring on several occasions. A fine solo try was scored by Cowley, the Mount Albert threecjuarter. who played an outstanding game. Hetherington, on the wing, showed plenty of determination, and Clements gave good service at halfback. Tristram ably led the Mount Albert forwards, while both Leatherbarrow and List played well. Potter, at five-eighths, was the best of the Richmond backs, and Webb played a clever game at halfback. Mitchell. Macintosh and Davis were the best of the forwards. Tries.for Mount Albert wPre scored by TTetheringfon and Cowley. Clements converting one. For Richmond. Potter scored a try and Webb kicked two penalty goals. Mr. G. Kelly was referee.